New Buick Encore small crossover big on style, and turbocharged engine gives it attitude

There’s a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine under the hood of the 2013 Buick Encore crossover, whose prices begin at a thrifty $24,200.

Buick has a new small luxury crossover SUV for 2013, the Encore, which gives the premium General Motors brand a good entry-level model designed for the family.

There are four trim levels, each with the choice of automatic or manual transmission: Base for $24,200; Convenience for $25,010; Leather for $26,710; and Premium for $28,190.

The Encore is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive, and has a turbocharged 138-horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Standard is a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift button on the shifter.

All-wheel drive adds $1,500 and is available at all trim levels. It’s designed to distribute power 50/50 to the front and rear, favoring the front until the system detects slippage in the rear.

The Encore’s compact size – under 3,400 pounds – brings EPA fuel-economy ratings that are among the best in the class, as well as best in the Buick family: Front-drive models are rated at 25 mpg city/33 highway/28 combined; all wheel drive models are only slightly less, at 23/30/26.

During my test of the front-drive Premium model, I averaged 29.2 mpg, mostly around the neighborhood.

Despite its smaller size, the Encore feels roomy, with lots of leg and headroom all around. Even the middle rear position was adequate for adults for shorter trips. I didn’t have enough passengers for this test, but I checked out the rear seat myself and found it quite comfortable. Headroom in the front is 39.6 inches, in the rear 38.8 inches. Legroom in the front is 40.8 inches and 35.7 inches in the rear.

The front passenger seatback folded flat for extra long items such as skis or surfboards, and the rear seatback folded 60/40 to configure the cargo area for whatever you need to haul, including small furniture or appliances.

Rear seat cushions also flipped up against the back of the front seats, making it possible to haul a tall item such as a bike, a wheelchair or a stroller.

• The Encore Premium model, which starts at $28,190, comes very well equipped, with a leather interior and comfortable seating for up to five.

The cargo area with the seats upright is already cavernous at 18.8 cubic feet, but with the seatbacks folded flat, the area increases to a whopping 48.4 cubic feet. The gate opens easily using hydraulics, but takes more effort to close.

My Encore came with an optional navigation audio system ($795), using the standard seven-inch color screen mounted conveniently on top of the dash and angled slightly toward the driver with an “eyebrow” to reduce glare. The standard audio system with AM/FM/XM included Intellilink, a USB port and auxiliary input jack.

The control panel for the audio/navigation system had multiple buttons and push/toggle knobs with rings. Programming either system was time consuming and sometimes confusing or frustrating, rather than being quick and intuitive. Without checking the owner’s manual, some functions were unclear.

But I liked the split-screen feature showing the map and audio information together. I was able to find my usual station and a couple more I enjoyed, and I did eventually program a simple address. The system has lots to choose from, with multiple folders, pages and lists. Those who buy this vehicle should be able to get to speed pretty quickly, using the provided manual.

Buick vehicles always come with six months of OnStar Directions and Connections with automatic crash response and turn-by-turn navigation, which is voice activated.

Driving the Encore was fun, even though most people probably wouldn’t say that about an SUV. The turbocharged engine was a pleasant surprise, with quick response and plenty of power. Thank goodness for cruise control on the open highway. Steering was easy and confident and braking was quick and dependable without being neck-snapping.